Abstract

JORDAN SEVERO, Tamine et al. Assessment of the detection of tuberculosis cases by means of a synthetic indicator in two municipalities of Havana City. Rev Cubana Hig Epidemiol [online]. 2008, vol.46, n.3, pp. 0-0. ISSN 1561-3003.

OBJECTIVE: to assess the feasibility and the results of the application of a synthetic indicator as an intervention evaluation. METHODS: an interventional study was conducted in two municipalities of Havana City (10 de Octubre and Boyeros), and two health areas were selected in each one. The synthetic indicator of case localization (including variables of respiratory symptomatic cases, bacilloscopies, delay of first consultation, and contact investigation) was applied from October 2005 to March 2006 and from October 2006 to March 2007. After the training intervention for family physicians and nurses, the synthetic indicator of case localization was used in selected areas of Boyeros municipality. RESULTS: the synthetic indicator of case localization was of 0.32 (deficient) for the12 cases of tuberculosis of 10 de Octubre municipality, whereas it was 0.12 (deficient) for the 11 cases of Boyeros before the intervention. After the intervention, it was 0.72 (very good) for "Salvador Allende" and 0.62 (acceptable) for "Federico Capdevila" health centers. CONCLUSIONS: data suggested that the synthetic indicator of case localization was coherent and consistent with reality as regards the quality of case detection. It showed also a significant improvement after the upgrading intervention.

Keywords : tuberculosis; case detection; synthetic indicator; surveillance; control.

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